Apparently Clinton can't even straighten his leg out right now. Shit. Not sounding too good. We've got 5 days, but still. Plus from the sounds of things Santana's hammy is going to continue to be an issue. Portis is as tough as they come, but not being able to bend your leg is obviously a bad sign.

Portis being out for Sunday is a real possibility, and Ladell won't be 100% even if he can play. If Moss can't be a major factor, we'll be in trouble. We need to make a decision on Malcolm Kelly like yesterday. No Moss or Portis could really derail us. We're gonna need WR help. There is a big difference between 2-2 in the division and 6-4 overall than 3-1 and 7-3.

Sometimes the defense has to win the game for you. Let's hope that our relative turnover drought ends and the defense does just this.

Ah yeah, that is the ticket bud!!! Letting the D win it worked well with Pittsburgh and us not scoring points in Detroit could have been a disaster as we only won by 8. Relying on a defense with a banged up secondary facing a plethora of WRs that Dallas has isn't a very good strategy, more like misplaced hope. Dallas needs to win the game more than us since they are on a nasty slide and need to turn it around now. JC needs to step it up, as well as the other wideouts or we lose the game. Simple as that!!!!!!!!

If this is a 2nd degree MCL sprain it sure does make you think not only about Dallas, but about the playoff push with CP in less than par condition, to say the least..?

# So Clinton Portis mentioned on John Thompsonís radio show on ESPN980 that he has a second-degree MCL sprain, which is what prompted Coach Zornís 50/50 assessment yesterday. Portis held out hope of playing on Sunday night, but I was a bit unsettled to find that a second-degree MCL sprain is what knocked LaDainian Tomlinson out of the playoffs last season. Not entirely encouraging news there, to say the least.

Yeah fellas I basically wish Zorn and co would go into this game not counting on CP, Betts or Moss and instead create a game-plan that starts to incorporate other weapons. Unwise IMO to expect much from tailbacks w/ serious knee sprains and likewise whenever Moss has hammy pulls (every fucking year). Among the WR corp I really hope we start ARL and then rotate Thrash, Thomas and Kelly if he plays. See who is on their game for the day and getting open and then get them the ball. Also, let's get Davis more involved. I suppose this probably sounds risky but what is the alternative... hope that Moss and CP get totally healthy in another 5 days so we can go back to the same old offense that teams are expecting? Please. It's time to see what JC can do when he has to carry the offense - great QBs have to learn to do this. Zorn should give him the shot.

And sure we can still run the ball. Rotate SA, Rock and even Sellers to keep em guessing.

If this is a 2nd degree MCL sprain it sure does make you think not only about Dallas, but about the playoff push with CP in less than par condition, to say the least..?

# So Clinton Portis mentioned on John Thompsonís radio show on ESPN980 that he has a second-degree MCL sprain, which is what prompted Coach Zornís 50/50 assessment yesterday. Portis held out hope of playing on Sunday night, but I was a bit unsettled to find that a second-degree MCL sprain is what knocked LaDainian Tomlinson out of the playoffs last season. Not entirely encouraging news there, to say the least.

If this is a 2nd degree MCL sprain it sure does make you think not only about Dallas, but about the playoff push with CP in less than par condition, to say the least..?

# So Clinton Portis mentioned on John Thompsonís radio show on ESPN980 that he has a second-degree MCL sprain, which is what prompted Coach Zornís 50/50 assessment yesterday. Portis held out hope of playing on Sunday night, but I was a bit unsettled to find that a second-degree MCL sprain is what knocked LaDainian Tomlinson out of the playoffs last season. Not entirely encouraging news there, to say the least.

Yeah fellas I basically wish Zorn and co would go into this game not counting on CP, Betts or Moss and instead create a game-plan that starts to incorporate other weapons. Unwise IMO to expect much from tailbacks w/ serious knee sprains and likewise whenever Moss has hammy pulls (every fucking year). Among the WR corp I really hope we start ARL and then rotate Thrash, Thomas and Kelly if he plays. See who is on their game for the day and getting open and then get them the ball. Also, let's get Davis more involved. I suppose this probably sounds risky but what is the alternative... hope that Moss and CP get totally healthy in another 5 days so we can go back to the same old offense that teams are expecting? Please. It's time to see what JC can do when he has to carry the offense - great QBs have to learn to do this. Zorn should give him the shot.

And sure we can still run the ball. Rotate SA, Rock and even Sellers to keep em guessing.

I agree and have been thinking that is what would happen after the break even if Portis and Moss were healthy. This is a growing offense and it's time to grow. Unfortunately we've had some setbacks with our rookies but thats just the way it is. I think (hoping) Zorn is going to start breaking some new stuff out and also improve on what we are already doing. I'm still waiting on the 2 tightend set with Davis and I think it could be beneficial for us. Especially inside the 20. Thomas was open enough to catch that TD that was called back because of the BS penalty on Heyer in the Cardinals? game. Let's see some more of that. We should see how creative the Z-man is down the stretch. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. I think Zorn will adjust. It seems like he's done a pretty good job of adjusting his offense to the players so far.

I agree and have been thinking that is what would happen after the break even if Portis and Moss were healthy. This is a growing offense and it's time to grow. Unfortunately we've had some setbacks with our rookies but thats just the way it is. I think (hoping) Zorn is going to start breaking some new stuff out and also improve on what we are already doing. I'm still waiting on the 2 tightend set with Davis and I think it could be beneficial for us. Especially inside the 20. Thomas was open enough to catch that TD that was called back because of the BS penalty on Heyer in the Cardinals? game. Let's see some more of that. We should see how creative the Z-man is down the stretch. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have. I think Zorn will adjust. It seems like he's done a pretty good job of adjusting his offense to the players so far.

Good analysis and I won't be surprised either if the offensive scheme is more dynamic starting Sunday night.

Rehab 6-8 weeks. Don't return to soon. It's time for some of our other R.B.'s to step up. That's what they're paid for. I feel for Portis, he's been awesome this year. If it really is a second degree sprain, the best we could hope for is to make the playoffs and get him back in time to help us in the postseason.

Rehab 6-8 weeks. Don't return to soon. It's time for some of our other R.B.'s to step up. That's what they're paid for. I feel for Portis, he's been awesome this year.

Yep - this is why we have a legit #2 at tailback. Betts should be toward the end of his recovery and just working on strength and flexibility now. Hopefully by Seattle he's ready to carry the full load and pickup where he left off in '06: rushing for 100+ ypg.

Pass pro has been a big issue for Dallas, and with Portis looking like he won't play and Betts still not full go, we're gonna have to pass first in this one. I hope all the assessments the coaches did during the bye week have some plans to compensate when 26 can't get on the field.